FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:

Linda Griggs

linda@lindagriggs.com 

Ph: 917 496-7058 (Please note, this is the only way to reach me from. March 16 to March 20th.

www.lowereastsidesing.vocis.com

SACRED HARP, A TRADITION WITH NEW JERSEY ROOTS, RETURNS WITH A FREE SINGING LESSON AND DEMONSTRATION AT THE ASBURY PARK CONVENTION HALL ON MARCH 19TH AT 2PM

Asbury Park, New Jersey - March 16, 2011

There will be a free Sacred Harp Singing lesson and demonstration for the 

Smithsonian  New Harmonies events in the Asbury Park Convention Hall Grand Arcade on Saturday, March 19th, 2 - 5pm

This event is non-denominational with no preaching or politics, just singing.

Sacred Harp, with it's distinctive shaped note heads, has been sung since colonial times.   This four part, a capella singing with it's minor keys and open harmonies, now called power chords, has deep roots in New Jersey. It died out in the north but persisted in both White and Black churches in the south and in Vauxhall and Newark until the 70s. This music is one of the roots of bluegrass, gospel and country.  

In modern composition it's tunes were used by Aaron Copland and Charles Ives.  It was resurrected as social singing in the North by the 60's folk revival and later by punks in the Massachusetts area who had a hand in it's inclusion in the movie, "Cold Mountain".

All voices are welcome.  No experience necessary.

The Singing School Master will be Dr. Thomas B. Malone,  Assistant Professor of Music, Molloy College.

Hank Williams and Ralph Stanley sang Sacred Harp and with the shape note system so can you!

This Singing is being presented by Sacred Harp singers from New York, New Jersey Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.  They are affiliated only by their love of this music and are traveling at their own expense and initiative for the pleasure of singing and to share it with you. 

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